&#39;Nectabang&#39;

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, denominated ‘NECTABANG’, has fruits of very long shelf life without alteration before and after harvesting, a semi-sweet yellow flesh of high-eating quality and an attractive red skin. Fruits can be consumed crunchy or melting.

This application claims priority of Community plant variety right No.2009/0927 filed on May 18, 2009, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BOTANICAL CLASSIFICATION

Prunus persica var. nucipersica.

VARIETY DENOMINATION

‘NECTABANG’.

BACKGROUND OF THE VARIETY

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of Prunuspersica var. nucipersica yellow nectarine tree, which has been given thedenomination ‘NECTABANG’. This tree, named ‘NECTABANG’, producesclingstone fruits of good eating quality for fresh market in June in the66—Pyrénées-Orientales departement—France. Contrast is made to‘Nectaprima’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,583) and ‘Nectapink’ (U.S. PlantPat. No. 17,584) yellow nectarine trees, standard varieties, forreliable description. ‘NECTABANG’ is a promising candidate forcommercial success in that it has an evenness of maturity, and producesregular fruits in large quantity and with a high productivity. It waschosen because of its hardiness and fruit lifetime before and afterharvest, and because of its aromatic semi sweet taste.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

‘NECTABANG’ nectarine tree originated in a cultivated area of the southof France, in the 66—Pyrénées-Orientales departement—France where it wastested. This place is under a Mediterranean climate (a temperate area),on the Mediterranean coastline. Winters are gentle and summers warm anddry. The amount of days with temperatures below 7° Celsius can varybetween 600 and 1200 hours per year. The place is sunny, with 2400 to2800 hours of sunny days per year on average. The prevailing wind iscalled ‘Tramontagne’: it dries the air, clears the sky from clouds, butits intensity can be strong and affect the harvest, fruit quantityand/or quality. Marine moisture does not affect the place.Precipitations are irregular through the year and from one year toanother. The amount of rainy days does not exceed 80 days per year, andare mostly found in Spring and Autumn. In May and October, very intenseprecipitations occasionally happen. Summer is dry with a fewthunderstorms.

The ‘NECTABANG’ variety was selected from controlled crosses between the‘Nectaprima’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,583) yellow nectarine tree (femaleparent) and the ‘Nectapink’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,584) yellownectarine tree (male parent). ‘NECTABANG’ was provisionally designated,tested and genetically identified by a genetic profile, as 4N.05.141 NJASF 0503 and was registered at the Official Catalogue of the AgricultureMinistry of the French Republic on Dec. 1, 2008 under number 1028953. Itwas obtained by hybridizing and propagated by grafting on a ‘Franc InraMontclar®’ (non-patented) or ‘Cadaman’ (patent status unknown) or ‘INRAGF 677’ (patent status unknown) rootstock trees. It has been determinedto have unique tree and fruit characteristics making it worthy forcommercial fresh fruit production. There are no known effects of thestandard rootstock trees set forth above on the scion cultivar.Asexually propagated plants remained true to the original tree and allcharacteristics of the tree and the fruit were transmitted. The plantwas reproduced asexually by us in Les Régalines, Route d'Alenya, LaPrade de Mousseillous, 66200 ELNE, Pyrénées-Orientales, France.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

The new and distinct variety of nectarine tree blooms in March atPerpignan in the Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France. Moreparticularly, it generally blooms between March 1^(rst) and March10^(th), approximately at the same time than the ‘Nectaprima’ (U.S.Plant Pat. No. 17,583) variety.

The first fruit of ‘NECTABANG’ ripens in middle June, generally aboutone week after the ‘Nectaprima’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 17,583) variety.More particularly, it approximately ripens between June 10^(th) and June25^(th) under normal climatic conditions.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawing, which are as nearly true as it isreasonably possible to make in a color illustration of this type:

FIG. 1 is a color photograph, which shows typical fruit specimens on atree of the new variety and leaves of the new variety in orchard.

FIG. 2 is a color photograph, which shows two whole fruit sufficientlymature for harvesting and shipment and five leaves of the new variety.

FIG. 3 is a color photograph, which shows a fruit cut in half fordepicting the fruit flesh and the pit cavity of the new variety.

FIG. 4 is a color photograph with reverse and size views of flowers ofthe new variety, and, with petals removed, reproductive organs of thenew variety.

Due to chemical development, processing and printing, the leaves andfruit depicted in these photographs may or may not be accurate whencompared to the actual botanical specimen.

DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

The tree, flowers, and fruit may vary in slight detail due to variationsin soil type, cultural practices, and climatic condition.

Trees are vigorous and of medium stature, half-standing in a semi-spreadto semi-upright out aspect. The anthocyanic coloration of the floweringshoot is present excluding brushwood side away from sun. Floweringbegins semi-early in springtime. The type of flower is showy withgenerally medium to large petals of medium pink color. Leaf glands arepresent and reniform. Time of maturity for consumption is early. Thefruit flesh is yellow with only rare red pigmentation. Fruit skin colorfeatures an homogeneous dark red blush. Fruit taste is semi-sweet.

The ‘NECTABANG’ variety blooms almost at the same time and ripensapproximately one week after the ‘Nectaprima’ variety (U.S. Plant Pat.No. 17,583). However, the number of flowers on ‘NECTABANG’ trees issmaller than the number of flowers on ‘Nectaprima’ trees (only 40flowers per meter instead of 50-60 flowers per meter). Compared to‘Nectaprima’ fruits, ‘NECTABANG’ fruits are more appealing because theirskin color is more intense and fruits are bigger and with a sweetertaste. They also have a longer shelf life.

The new variety male parent, which is ‘Nectapink’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No.17,584), comparatively ripens approximately 45 days after the newvariety. ‘NECTABANG’ fruits are more appealing with respect to theirgeneral shape and color.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring more specifically to the pomological details of this new anddistinct variety of nectarine tree, the following was observed on treesin their third growing season under the ecological conditions prevailingat the orchards located near the town of Elne, Pyrénées-Orientalesdepartement, France. All observations have been done on rootstockcultivars. Used rootstocks were ‘Franc Inra Montclar®’ (non-patented)trees or ‘Cadaman’ (patent status unknown) trees or ‘INRA GF 677’(patent status unknown) trees. All major color code designations are byreference to The R.H.S. Color Chart (Fourth Edition) provided by TheRoyal Horticultural Society of Great Britain.

-   Tree:-   Size:    -   -   Generally.—Considered large. The tree size the first year            was approximately 250 cm. The tree was pruned during each            following dormant season to a height of approximately            250 cm. Current season shoots growth could reach 60 to            80 cm. The tree size from the second year (second and next            years) reached a final height of 310 to 330 cm with current            season shoots length comprised.        -   Spread.—Approximately 100 cm with a cylindrical shape. The            whole orchard was oriented to a central leader organization,            with tree lines spaced of 4.0 meters and trees spaced of 1.0            meter in a same tree line. As a result, tree spread was            about 100 cm and the orchard contained 2500 trees by            hectare.        -   Vigour.—Considered average.        -   Productivity.—Very productive. Fruit set is spaced by            thinning to develop the remaining fruit into the desired            market sized fruit. The number of the fruit set varies with            the prevailing climatic conditions, and cultural practices            employed during the bloom period, and is therefore not            distinctive of the present variety.        -   Bearer.—Very regular. Fruit set has been heavy during the            years of observation and thinning of 1 fruit on 3 was            necessary every year.        -   Form.—The ‘NECTABANG’ variety has naturally a semi-spread to            semi-upright shape.        -   Density.—Considered dense.        -   Hardiness.—The present tree was grown and evaluated in            France. The variety appeared to be hardy under typical            central Pyrénées-Orientales departement climatic conditions.            Experimentations on different sites with winter chilling            requirement comprised between 350 and 1200 hours showed a            good behavior of the tree in all cases. Ascertained            temperatures as low as −12 degrees Celsius in winter caused            no damages to the tree. The tree was also very resistant to            frosty springtime weather.-   Trunk:    -   -   Diameter.—Approximately between 6.0 and 7.0 cm in diameter            when measured at a distance of approximately 30 cm above the            soil level.        -   Bark texture.—Considered rough.        -   Lenticels.—Numerous lenticels are present. The lenticels            range in size from approximately 0.4 to 0.5 cm in width, and            from 0.15 to 0.2 cm in height.        -   Lenticel color.—The outside of lenticels has a silver-grey            color (RHS Grey 201 C), whereas the inside is considered            brown (RHS Greyed Orange 166 B).        -   Bark coloration.—The bark has a silver-grey color (varying            from RHS Grey 201 C to RHS Black 202 C).-   Branches:    -   -   Size.—Mature branches as well as current season shoots are            medium for the variety.        -   Diameter.—Average as compared to other nectarine varieties.            The current season shoots have a diameter from 6.0 to 7.0            millimeters, and branches of trees have a diameter comprised            between 15.0 and 23.0 millimeters.        -   Surface texture.—Average, several years old wood has no            furrowed appearance.        -   Crotch angles.—Primary branches are considered variable, but            the crotch angles are generally between 60 and 80 degrees            from the horizontal axis. This particular characteristic is            not considered distinctive of the variety, however.-   Current season shoots:    -   -   Surface texture.—Substantially glabrous.        -   Internode length.—Generally 26.0 to 36.0 millimeters.        -   Color of mature branches.—Medium brown (RHS Grey Brown 199 A            to B).-   Current seasons shoots:    -   -   Color.—The color of new shoot tips is considered a light            yellow green (varying from RHS Yellow Green 144 A to RHS            Yellow Green 144 C) on lower part of new shoot tips, whereas            the upper part is colored in purple brown to red brown            (varying from RHS Greyed Purple Group 187 A to B to RHS            Greyed Red 182 A).-   Leaves:    -   -   Size.—Considered medium to large for the species. The ratio            leaf length/leaf width is below 3.4.        -   Leaf length.—Approximately 140 to 166 millimeters with            petiole.        -   Leaf width.—Approximately 45 to 63 millimeters.        -   Leaf base shape.—Concave.        -   Leaf form.—Lanceolate.        -   Leaf tip form.—Small and acuminate.-   Leaf color:    -   -   Upper leaf surface.—Dark Green (RHS Green 137 A).        -   Lower surface.—Medium Green (RHS Green 137 B to 137 C).        -   Leaf texture.—Smooth and glabrous.        -   Leaf venation.—Pinnately veined.-   Mid-vein:    -   -   Color.—Generally a Light yellow green (RHS Yellow Green 145            D to 145 C).        -   Leaf margins.—Slightly undulating.        -   Form.—Considered slightly dentate.        -   Uniformity.—Leaves are isolated or grouped by 2 or 3. In            this last case, one leaf of normal size is found with one or            two smaller leaves (50% smaller at least).-   Leaf petioles:    -   -   Size.—Considered medium.        -   Length.—About 8.0 to 12.0 mm.        -   Diameter.—About 2.0 mm.        -   Color.—Light yellow green (RHS Yellow Green 144 D to 144 C).-   Leaf glands:    -   -   Size.—Considered medium, about 1.5 mm.        -   Number.—2 to 4 glands.        -   Type.—Reniform.        -   Color.—On young leaves, leaf glands color is considered a            pale green (RHS Green 144 B to A). On older leaves, leaf            glands color turn to a dark brown (RHS Grey Brown 199 A to            199 B).-   Leaf stipules:    -   -   Generally.—No leaf stipules were observed. But as seen in            the characteristic relative to the leaves uniformity, it is            possible to find leaves by groups of 2 or 3, with a            normal-size leaf and smaller ones.-   Flowers:-   Flower buds:    -   -   Generally.—At pre-floral stage of development, the floral            buds are conic in form with a round tip. Their form is            evolving until blooming, with variables dimensions. Just            before blooming, floral buds are approximately 12.0            millimeters wide and approximately 18.0 millimeters long.-   Flower buds:    -   -   Color.—This characteristic is dependent upon the proximity            to bloom. At pre-floral stage of development, the bottom of            the flowers buds, formed by sepals, is of purple-brown color            (Generally RHS Greyed Purple 183 A); the corolla, formed by            petals, is generally of medium pink color (varying from RHS            Red Purple 65 B to C). Petals color shows an evolution until            the end of flowering. The buds are considered hardy under            typical central Pyrénées-Orientales departement climatic            conditions.        -   Hardiness.—No winter injury was noted during the last            several years of evaluation in the central Pyrénées            Orientales departement, with winter temperatures as low as            −10 degrees Celsius in January. The current variety has not            been intentionally subjected to drought or heat stress, but            the variety showed a very good resistance in orchard to            temperatures up to 42 degrees Celsius with an average            temperature between 28 and 30 degrees Celsius during 3 weeks            in summer.        -   Date of bloom.—Generally early March. The first bloom was            observed on Feb. 28, 2002.        -   Blooming time.—Considered semi-early in relative comparison            to other commercial nectarine cultivars grown in the            Pyrénées-Orientales departement, France. The date of full            bloom is observed in March, more particularly between March            1^(st) and March 10^(th). The date of bloom varies slightly            with climatic conditions and cultural practices. Last            observed blooming times were from Mar. 9, 2006 to Mar. 13,            2006, then from Mar. 5, 2007 to Mar. 15, 2007, then from            Feb. 19, 2008 to Mar. 1, 2008 (approximately 10 days sooner            than during a normal year), then from Feb. 26, 2009 to Mar.            11, 2009.        -   Duration of bloom.—Approximately 12 days. This            characteristic varies slightly with the prevailing climatic            conditions.        -   Flower type.—The variety is considered to have showy type            flowers.        -   Flower size.—Considered medium to large. Flower diameter at            full bloom is approximately between 30.0 to 40.0            millimeters.        -   Bloom quantity.—Considered average, approximately between 35            and 40 flowers per meter.        -   Flower bud frequency.—Generally 2 flower buds appear per            node, occasionally 1.-   Petal size:    -   -   Generally.—Considered medium to large for the species.        -   Length.—Generally between 20.0 millimeters.        -   Width.—Generally between 21.0 millimeters.        -   Petal form.—Rounded.        -   Petal count.—Generally 5.        -   Petal texture.—Smooth and glabrous.        -   Petal color.—Medium Pink (RHS Red Purple 65 B to C) slightly            darkening over time.        -   Fragrance.—Slight.-   Petal claw:    -   -   Form.—The claw is considered to have a conic form with a            slighty rounded extremity.        -   Length.—Approximately between 5.0 and 6.0 millimeters.        -   Width.—Approximately 4.0 millimeters.        -   Petal margins.—Generally slightly undulated.-   Petal apex:    -   -   Generally.—The petal apices have a large dome-shaped form.-   Flower pedicel:    -   -   Length.—Considered medium to long and having an average            length of approximately 3.0 to 5.0 millimeters.        -   Diameter.—Approximately 2.0 millimeters.        -   Color.—A medium brown (RHS Grey Brown N199 B to 199 C).-   Floral nectaries:    -   -   Color.—A flat golden orange (approximately RHS Greyed Red            178 C to B).-   Calyx:    -   -   Internal surface texture.—Smooth and glabrous.        -   Color.—The outer surface of the calyx is considered of            Purple-brown (RHS Greyed Purple 183 A) color.-   Sepals:    -   -   Surface texture.—The outer surface has a fine pubescent            texture.        -   Size.—Generally medium.        -   Color.—Red (Approximately RHS Greyed Red 178 A).        -   Average number of stamens per flower.—About 40 stamens per            flower.-   Anthers:    -   -   Generally.—Medium in length.        -   Color.—Red to orange-red color (approximately RHS Greyed            Purple Group 178 A). Anthers are becoming yellow at            maturity.        -   Pollen production.—Pollen is abundant, and has a yellow            color (Approximately RHS Yellow Orange 17 B to C). The            present variety is considered self fruitful            (self-pollinating).-   Filaments:    -   -   Size.—Variable in length, approximately 8.0 to 13.0            millimeters in length. Filaments length is generally            approximately equal to pistil's length.        -   Color.—Considered light pink (varying from RHS Red Purple 62            C to D) darkening over time.-   Pistil:    -   -   Number.—Usually 1.        -   Generally.—Medium in size.        -   Length.—Approximately 16.0 to 18.0 millimeters including the            ovary; Generally approximately equal to filament's length.        -   Color.—Considered a very pale green (varying from RHS Yellow            Green 150 D Group to RHS Yellow Green 151 D Group).        -   Surface texture.—The variety has a glabrous pistil.-   Fruit:    -   -   Maturity when described.—Very firm ripe condition (shipping            ripe).        -   Date of first picking.—Jun. 17, 2002. The picking generally            occurs between June 10^(th) and June 25^(th) under normal            climatic conditions. The date of harvest varies slightly            with the prevailing climatic conditions.        -   Date of last picking.—Jun. 25, 2002. Picking can generally            be achieved with only 2 harvests within approximately 8            days. Last known picking times were from Jun. 20, 2006 to            Jun. 26, 2006, then from June 17 to Jun. 25, 2007, then from            June 7 to Jun. 12, 2008, then from June 15 to Jun. 22, 2009.-   Size:    -   -   Generally.—Considered medium to large, and homogenous            between fruits.        -   Average cheek diameter.—Approximately 65.0 to 73.0            millimeters.        -   Average axial diameter.—Approximately 68.0 to 75.0            millimeters.        -   Typical weight.—Approximately between 150.0 and 200.0 grams.            This characteristic is high dependent upon the prevailing            cultural practices, and therefore is not particularly            distinctive of the variety.-   Fruit form:    -   -   Generally.—Round to slightly oblate. The fruit is generally            uniform in symmetry viewed from the suture's plane.        -   Fruit suture.—Very shallow and smooth, extending from the            base to the apex. No apparent callousing or stitching exists            along the suture line.-   Suture:    -   -   Color.—This has generally a color similar to the whole fruit            color, a dark red blush (RHS Greyed Purple 185 A) over a            orange-red ground (Varying from RHS Orange Red N 34 A to RHS            Orange Red 34 B).-   Ventral surface:    -   -   Form.—Smooth.        -   Apex.—Non-prominent, small.        -   Base.—Wide-mouthed, shallow.        -   Stem cavity.—Average depth of the stem cavity is about            0.7 cm. Average width is about 1.5 cm.-   Fruit skin:    -   -   Thickness.—Considered very thick and strong, and very            tenacious to the flesh to tenacious to the flesh depending            on stage of maturity.        -   Texture.—Glabrous.        -   Taste.—Semi-sweet with a high level of sugar, aromatic.        -   Tendency to crack.—None observed.-   Color:    -   -   Blush color.—This blush color is generally a dark red blush            (RHS Greyed Purple 185 A). The red blush covers between 80%            and 90% of the fruit skin surface.        -   Ground color.—An orange-red (Varying from RHS Orange Red N            34 A to RHS Orange Red 34 B).        -   Fruit stem.—Medium in length, approximately 6.0 millimeters.        -   Diameter.—Approximately 4.0 millimeters.        -   Color.—Pale green (RHS Yellow Green 145A to 145 B).-   Flesh:    -   -   Ripens.—Very evenly, homogenous, long shelf-life of the            fruit.        -   Texture.—Very firm, very dense, juicy at harvest maturity            stage.        -   Fibers.—No fibers.        -   Aroma.—Pronounced.        -   Eating quality.—Considered very good and aromatic.        -   Flavor.—Considered semi-sweet. The Brix is generally            superior to 12.0 degrees. Acidity is comprised between 6 and            9 meq/100 ml. The flavor is considered aromatic. The flesh            is juicy.        -   Juice.—Very juicy at complete maturity.        -   Brix.—Generally superior to 12.0 degrees. This            characteristic varies slightly with the number of fruit per            tree, the prevailing cultural practices and the surrounding            climatic conditions.        -   Flesh color.—Generally Yellow Orange (RHS Yellow Orange 16 B            to C) and generally without red pigmentation inside the            stone cavity. However, very occasionally, and depending of            fruits and their stage of maturity, a very slight red            pigmentation can appear inside the flesh and inside the            stone cavity. Compared to other nectarine cultivars, this            appearance of pigmentation is considered rare and, when            found, is considered very slight.-   Stone:    -   -   Type.—Clingstone.        -   Size.—Considered medium to large for the variety.        -   Length.—Approximately 26 to 31.0 millimeters.        -   Width.—Approximately 18 to 21.0 millimeters.        -   Diameter.—Approximately 16 to 18.0 millimeters.        -   Form.—Elliptic.        -   Base.—Straight.-   Apex:    -   -   Shape.—The stone apex has a small sharp tip.        -   Stone cavity.—Considered medium to large-sized, with an            elliptic-form. Stone cavity's dimensions correspond to the            stone's dimensions.-   Stone surface:    -   -   Surface texture.—The pit is transversely furrowed on its            entire surface. Furrows are more pronounced toward the apex.            The stone is pitted toward the base. Relief is generally            prominent and present basally.        -   Ridges.—The surface texture is generally characterized by            more prominent ridges along the ventral edges and is more            prominent at the apical tip.-   Ventral edge:    -   -   Width.—Considered small to medium, and having a dimension of            approximately 2.0 millimeters at mid-suture.-   Dorsal edge:    -   -   Shape.—Grooved.        -   Stone color.—The color of the dry stone is generally a light            orange-brown (RHS Greyed Orange 173 C to D).        -   Tendency to split.—Splitting is absent or very low,            depending on climatic conditions between the blooming period            and the hardening of the stone.-   Kernel:    -   -   Size.—The kernel is considered medium.        -   Length.—About 20.0 millimeters.        -   Width.—About 12.0 millimeters.        -   Thickness.—About 3.0 to 4.0 millimeters.        -   Form.—Considered flattened and elliptic.        -   Pellicle.—Pubescent.        -   Color.—The kernel skin is brown-orange (RHS Greyed Orange            167 C) with darker brown-orange streaks (RHS Greyed Orange            166 C). The almond is cream-white (RHS Orange White 159 D).            The kernel and its embryo are mature at the time of fruit            maturity.        -   Use.—The subject variety ‘NECTABANG’ is considered to be a            nectarine tree of the early season of maturity, and which            produces aromatic semi-sweet fruit with a high level of            sugars and a brix higher than 12 degrees. Fruits are            excellent for uncooked consumption, crunchy or at full            maturity. Due to their flesh quality, firmness and density,            they can also be commercialized as 4^(th) range product            (packed fruit or fruit in bags for example). And they are            also useful for both local and very long distance shipping            because they have a long shelf life after harvesting, up to            1 month.        -   Keeping quality.—Remarkable. Fruit stayed a little more than            one week on tree before harvest and then, has stored well            more than 4 weeks after harvest at 2.0 degree Celsius. They            have a slow maturation and a long shelf life both on the            tree after growth completion and after harvesting without            alteration.        -   Shipping quality.—Considered very good. Fruits of the new            nectarine variety showed minimal bruising of the flesh or            skin damage after being subjected to normal harvesting and            packing procedures. Its resistance to handling during            harvest and packing and its long shelf life without            alteration after harvest easily permit 3 to 4 weeks shipping            at 2 degrees Celsius.        -   Resistance to insects and disease.—No particular            susceptibilities were noted. Under our climatic conditions,            favourable to powdery mildew, and with few treatments, the            present variety has not been shown to be very sensitive to            powdery mildew, or conservation diseases and decay due to            its thick and strong skin. No bacteriostatic substances were            applied, and no symptom was observed.

Although the new variety of nectarine tree possesses the describedcharacteristics when grown under the ecological conditions prevailingnear the town of Elne, France, it should be understood that variationsof the usual magnitude and characteristics incident to changes ingrowing conditions, fertilization, pruning, pest control andhorticultural management are to be expected.

1. A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree as illustrated anddescribed, characterized by fruits of very long shelf life withoutalteration before and after harvesting, with a semi-sweet yellow fleshof high eating quality and an attractive skin, with a very highpercentage of red blush.